Carol S

Heat Reduction and Privacy Window Film

June 30, 2021 by Carol S 1 Comment

For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. For July, our discount for small businesses and home owners applies to heat reduction and privacy window film. Please mention that you saw the discount here so you get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

Is heat reduction part of the new normal?

While we hope that the recent extreme high temperatures we’ve been experiencing aren’t part of the new normal, there has been a definite increase in high temperatures. While San Franciscans have been spared in many cases, outlying areas of the Bay have seen extreme high temperatures. As I write this article, Seattle and most of Oregon are experiencing unprecedented high temps. While we all love Karla the Fog, we can’t all depend on her being around. This is one reason we love Heat Reduction window film!

How do you reduce heat with window film?

As described on 3M’s website, 3M window films can help even out temperatures in your home all year long. Also, “While curtains and blinds are great for privacy and help to block some heat, they do so at the cost of natural light. 3M™ Window Films can reduce up to 78% of the sun’s heat coming through your windows, to help make your home bright and comfortable, all day long.”

With window film, you don’t have to block the light (unless you really want to).

Reduce heat, and save money, too!

The U.S. Department of Energy and a recent study published by CONSOL Energy show 3M Window Films can reduce energy usage up to 19 kwh per sq ft of windows. If you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption, this is exciting news! The bottom line is that the Department of Energy says that window films typically pay back in as little as 3 years. Of course, saving money is only one benefit of window film. There’s also the added benefit of reducing UV rays, a common cause of skin cancer—the most common type of cancer.

Design your interior with light

You don’t want to live in darkness, and you can transform your space while protecting your privacy with window film. If you have a small space, that space will seem larger with the elegance of window film. Window films maintain a sleek space without bulky curtains or window treatments. Another added benefit? If you have cats, they won’t destroy the window film! Yes, you heard it here first.

So many choices in privacy film

Your privacy film can be used in foyers, bathrooms, doors, windows, cabinet doors, on partitions, and outdoors on balconies. There are textured films with dusted or frosted designs. There are also dots and stripes as well as patterns inspired by nature.

Why Is Now A Good Time for Window Film?

June 15, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

There are lots of reasons to get window film, even in foggy San Francisco. Here are ten of our favorites.

Your furniture needs protection

Let’s face it, you’ve spent hundreds of hours on Pinterest and Etsy searching for the perfect chairs. We know because we do the same thing! Now you’re going to leave those gorgeous handmade Italian leather chairs in your bright living room where the sun is going to scorch and bleach it? Noooo!

Because it’s summer… and there’s more heat and light

During the hot summer months, we feel more heat. And sometimes that heat gets uncomfortable. So you may want to block not only the heat with window film, but some of that extra light. Recently, we wrote about light-blocking window film. You might want to read about light-blocking window film.

You love the light, but want to protect your skin

Yes, UV rays can travel right through windows, but window film protects your skin. While UV rays can damage your skin, window film is one way to prevent skin cancer. You can see some of the other recommendations of the Skin Cancer Foundation to prevent cancer. Using sunscreen, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and and donning sunglasses are three ways to prevent skin cancer—the world’s most common cancer.

Climate change

Every year, temperatures get a little warmer, and sometimes a lot more uneven. Window film can help even out those fluctuations. Why not take the plunge and invest in window film now? Along with donating some of your time and money to help curb climate change, of course.

Monthly discounts

Since we’ve now been in business ten years, we’re giving you the savings! For each month, we have a special. Check on our Twitter or Facebook pages to see what those new specials are.

Holds glass together

If you’re in a restaurant or school, you might be concerned about being hurt by flying glass during a storm. Window film can protect you and your littles by holding that glass together.

Energy savings

According to the International Window Film Association“While the energy savings of window films are comparable to replacement windows, they may cost about one-tenth the cost of replacement windows and their installation.” Your energy bill is already too high, but with window films like 3M Thinsulate you can reduce the need for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. We’ve talked about Thinsulate before:

Even out heat imbalances

Do you have a part of your home that’s always too hot? Window film can help correct that. With window film, you won’t have severe hot spots where the sun pours into your home and heats up that part of your home.

Creates privacy

If space is tight for you and your neighbors can peer into your home or office, window film is the perfect way to go. Yes, we’ve written about privacy before. You might like What are the Best Window Films for Privacy?

It’s beautiful and decorative

There are many beautiful, decorate choices in window film. So if you’re concerned that window film will be too plain, not to worry. We’ve got you and your windows covered!

Still need some guidance?

Give us a call! We’re super-friendly and always here to brainstorm.

What You Need to Know about Light-Blocking Window Film

June 1, 2021 by Carol S 1 Comment

As part of our ten-year anniversary this year, we have discounts for each month of 2021. For June, our special for small businesses and home owners is on light-blocking window films. So that means any darker window films, such as 3M Prestige 20, which can be used on skylights and exteriors. And also windows where you really want less light to penetrate.

How will light-blocking window films look on my windows?

Actually, the best way for us to describe the different ways window film might look is to show you. 3M has a fabulous window film simulator so you can see the difference. Now if you can imagine, 3M Prestige 20 window film is even darker than the darkest film in the simulator.

What are some examples of light-blocking window film?

Here are just some examples of light-blocking window film:

3M’s Prestige 20, Prestige 40, 3M Night Vision 15, and Crystalline CM 20.

The above are the darker window films. There is also Ceramic 20 which is a good film for lower-budget projects.

Night Vision 15 is the most reflective but it’s sleek and looks luxurious, and so is very popular.

Is light-blocking window film similar to other types of window film?

Yes, it’s very similar. It protects your home or business from heat gain through windows, the same as other types of window film. It rejects most of the infrared, saves on your energy bills, and gives you and your family protection from the sun and its harmful UV rays. It also protects your furniture and flooring from fading.

Will it help us stay cool in the summer?

Yes, Prestige 20 protects you from high heat, and will reduce your air conditioning costs. Your windows will look the same, but the film is a little bit darker.

What else do I need to know?

Prestige 20 (or any window film) will not interfere with your Wifi signal. It’s completely metal-free! Like other window film, light-blocking window film reduces glare. And like other window films, light-blocking film helps prevent skin damage, which in turn prevents skin cancer!

Can’t decide which light-blocking window film to get?

Whether you want to reduce heat gain, disperse natural light, or block harmful UV rays, light-blocking window film is a great solution. Call us and we’d love to chat with you about your window film needs!

Seven Ways You Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer

May 17, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

This month, May, is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. We’ve all heard the old saw that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, but how many of us actually do something even when we know it’s true? With skin cancer, your prevention efforts pay massive dividends. Here are just a few things that you can do to prevent skin cancer!

Wear Sun Screen

Yes, we all need some vitamin D. You can still get a little sun, just not when the sun is likely to burn you. And you can get vitamin D from your diet as well as in pill form. Even if it’s cloudy, ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin. Here’s a comprehensive list of types of sunscreen, strength, and other things to do to protect your skin. But how, you might ask? Keep sunscreen in your car, in your purse or man bag, at home, etc. The hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. are especially dangerous.

Use Protective Clothing

Did you know there is a lot of clothing that can protect you? Yes, you can even find clothing to protect you against UV at Costco! You never need to reapply it, unlike sunscreen, and it comes in many styles and colors. The Skin Cancer Foundation has details on sun-safe clothing that you might want to try. They recommend long sleeves with a tight weave, for instance. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation “Look for garments with a UPF of at least 30 so that you know you’re getting effective sun protection.”

Sun Glasses

Wear big sunglasses that’s rated so that it offers protection against UV. According to Mayo Clinic, sun glasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays are optimal. Also “opt for wraparound sunglasses or closefitting sunglasses with wide lenses that protect your eyes from every angle.” Think Jackie-O! And also: read the label to ensure that your glasses really block both UVA and UVB.

Hats

Wear hats with a wide brim so you can keep the sun off your face. As a rule of thumb, a hat with a 3” brim is optimal. Although wider is even better! Although baseball caps are cool looking, they leave your ears and neck exposed.

Use Window Film

Of course, this is our favorite one! UV rays can come right through windows, but most people don’t wear sunglasses indoors! With window film, you don’t even have to think about dangerous UV light. Here are some recent articles about window film and how it protects you:

Expose Yourself Earlier and Later

And by that we mean if you must go in the sun head out before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. The hours between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. are when the sun is at its strongest and most dangerous.

Avoid Tanning Beds

Yes, people still use those awful tanning beds. There are still plenty of salons that offer tanning. And tanning doesn’t protect you from the sun—quite the opposite, as tanning is your body’s response to injury from the sun.

Want Window Film?

Call our office in San Francisco, California! We’d love to hear about your upcoming project: 415.650.5200. We work all over the Bay Area, including the peninsula, San Francisco, and Marin (as well as other parts of the state and country!) We can help.

All About Minimalism and Clear Window Film Technology

April 30, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

A common misconception, even in a sophisticated city like San Francisco, is that window film must be darker to do its job. But lighter or paler window films still provide protection. Light window films do the same job as darker ones. For example, you don’t want dark or mirror film in a beach home or home with view of the mountains. If you want an obscure glass, and you don’t want to go dense, go with 3M Matte Crystal or Sabrina, a 3M Fasara glass finish. Bring in the light and have minimal appearance. You won’t even know that it’s there. Check out the gradations in the different 3M window films above (we’re particularly fond of Sabrina).

Discounts for Small Business and Homeowners for 2021

Since Window Works has now been in business for ten years, we’re offering discounts every month this year. For May, our discount to small businesses and homeowners is 10% off all clear window films. In case you missed it, read about our ten-year anniversary discounts. If you want more information about which window films qualify as light window films, give us a call! Here’s our number for your convenience: 415.650.5200. We especially welcome homeowners who may have felt too intimidated to call. We really are very friendly!

Indoor Sun Protection

Did you know that you need protection from the sun inside your home? If you didn’t know this, you’re not alone. Here’s a great video that you might enjoy, from the International Window Film Association:

As you can see, you do need protection from UVA/UVB inside your home. Also, did we mention that the darkness of the window film doesn’t really matter: light window film will protect you as much as the darker stuff does. People have the misconception that window film has to be dark, but don’t fall for this piece of fake news!

Prestige 60 and 70 Window Film

You can have a minimalist look with window film. What we’re saying is this is the opposite of blackout window film. And for the super nerds among you, here are some data sheets so you can see the numbers behind the technology. If you’d like to know more about Prestige window film, you might like this article: Get ready for summer with Prestige window film.

Lombard Street, one of our favorite views in San Francisco

You Moved to San Francisco for the Views!

Amiright? If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, one big reason you’re here is the views! Whether you see cable cars, the bay, or the Golden Gate Bridge, that’s a view you don’t want to block! So think about having a light window film, not only because it’s less cluttered, but also so you can have an unhampered view of our beautiful city. If you have an ugly view, window film can help with that, too, but that’s a topic for another day.

What Are the Best Window Films for Privacy?

April 14, 2021 by Carol S 1 Comment

People are always calling and asking about the best window films for privacy, especially those in San Francisco. For small apartments, condos, and homes, you can’t beat window film for privacy. Thinner than a Post-It note, window film can block UV light, save energy, and protect your skin–all while giving you privacy. Gone are the days of ugly, peeling, purple window film (to be honest, that was mostly DIYers applying window film to their own cars). Better still, window film is much more affordable than tearing out your windows and replacing them!

Window Film by Any Other Name

You may have heard window film called window tint, window vinyl, or window sticker. Here at Window Works, we usually call it window film. But don’t be put off by the other names for the same thing.

What’s the Function of Your Window Film?

If you call us, we’ll ask you a few questions about where you’d like the window film, and whether you’d like to add color, texture, or patterns in addition to privacy. Most people don’t know where to begin, but we can help you figure that part out. We’ve written some articles about different types of film that you might like:

Energy Saving Window Film

Did you know that window film can save you money on your energy bill? 3M Thinsulate is our favorite window film for its insulation properties. It can make a single pane window act like a double pane, and a double pane window like a triple pane. It’s a cost-effective way to upgrade your windows with a minimum of fuss.

Protection from UV Rays

We always recommend that you get protection from UV rays with your window film. After all, if you’re relaxing at home or at work, the last thing you want is to worry about skin damage. You shouldn’t have to wear sunglasses inside your own home. There are enough things to worry about when you’re out in the world!

Get Ready for Summer with Prestige Window Film

March 31, 2021 by Carol S 2 Comments

Spring has just sprung, and already it’s time to get ready for summer! That means spring cleaning, better curb appeal, and more foot traffic for small businesses. For homeowners in the San Francisco Bay Area, temperatures start to soar and along with higher temperatures, glare shows up with the increased daylight. As we have done each month this year, we have a 10% discount for small businesses and homeowners. For April, our discount applies to Prestige window film. In case you missed it, read about our ten-year anniversary discounts.

Get Ready for Summer with Prestige Window Film

Spring Cleaning

Since it’s still spring, why not really dig into spring cleaning? Haul all that junk away, donate it, or give it to someone who would love it. Sometimes giving something to someone else is a good way to release something into the universe. Earth Day is this month, after all, so recycling the things you don’t want is especially appropriate. Giving yourself the deadline of decluttering by Earth Day could be the way to go! Once you’ve gotten rid of those old, mangled blinds, why not consider Prestige window film?

Beautify your home or business with Prestige window film

Curb Appeal

You want the front of your home or the front of your business to be beautiful and inviting. Don’t you? Unless, that is, you’re trying to frighten people away. In that case, you’d want the opposite of curb appeal! But for most of you, beautifying your home or business can happen with the addition of window film. Why Prestige window film? A variety of reasons! Here are just a few:

Optically Clear
Non-Reflective
229 layers and thinner than a Post-it note, another 3M adhesive product
SPF 1400 to 1900
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

Foot Traffic

There are a number of ways to increase the foot traffic to your business. Among them are making sure your associates look and are busy, an uncluttered look inside your business, and a surprising one–no glare! Have you ever been inside a store where the glare was so bad that you had to put on sun glasses? Or where the temperature inside a store was like a greenhouse? Window film can help with both those issues! And Prestige window film is one of the best. In addition, its recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation ensures that your skin and eyes won’t suffer from UV light exposure. Your store should be as welcoming as your friendliest employee!

Administrator’s Day

This year, Administrative Assistant’s Day falls on April 21st. Why not honor your administrative assistant with a small gift, such as flowers, a fancy pen, or a dinner out? After all, your administrative assistant supports you the rest of the year, so why not support them this one day? While we don’t suggest a gift of window film on administrator’s day, installing window film helps everyone at a business.

Ways to Make a Home More Energy-Efficient

March 17, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

By Tim Meredith

With so many people working from home, tempers aren’t the only things flaring … so are our energy bills. We’re doing a lot more streaming, leaving on more lights, and turning up the heat. But with a few simple changes, you can save money — if not your sanity — by making your home more energy-efficient.

Here are some simple ways to cut your utility costs by switching your thermostat, unplugging not-in-use appliances, checking your windows, conserving water, and changing some habits.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature automatically by setting your heating and cooling around your daily schedule. This saves you money and maintains a comfortable temperature while you’re at home and when you’re away.

Programmable thermostats are affordable. They’re often on sale and utility companies like Pacific Gas and Electric offer rebates on smart thermostats to help lower the cost even further.

Unplug!

Take a look around your home and you’ll likely spot energy vampires. Those electrical monsters that suck up your energy and are partly to blame for those soaring energy bills. We’re talking about televisions, video game consoles, lamps, appliances, and computers.

The biggest energy vampire in your home? Your DVR box. Digital recording boxes waste billions in electricity each year.

When you’re not watching your TV, unplug it. The same goes for the toaster. Also, unplug the phone charger from the wall once the phone is fully charged. And use the laptop while you’re on a Zoom call because it will use less energy than a desktop computer.

Check Windows and Seal Cracks

Inspect your windows and seal any cracks or leaks around your home. It’s a cheap way to lower your energy costs.

Go a step further and add a window film like Thinsulate. The insulated window film not only keeps you cozy in the chilly winter months in Northern California, but cool in the summer as well. And the savings are pretty significant — up to 10% on your energy costs.

Conserve Water

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the average family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day. Turn off the faucet while you’re brushing your teeth. That simple tip alone can save you up to 8 gallons of water.

Other ideas to reduce water waste? Wash clothes in cold water, fix any toilet leaks, and water your lawn early in the morning or late at night in the summer.

You also can reduce your water usage by planting native plants such as California fuchsia or milkweed. Native plants practically grow themselves. They’ll thrive and flourish for seasons to come without extra water or maintenance.

Replace Bulbs

Swap out those incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs for LEDs for one of the most affordable and easiest ways to reduce energy costs. The LED bulbs last longer, and by just replacing five bulbs with Energy Star-approved LED bulbs, you can save up to $100 a year on your energy bill.

No Peeking While Baking

Resist the urge to open the oven while that apple pie or casserole is baking. Every time you open the oven door to take a peek, the temperature can drop 25 degrees, causing your oven to use even more energy to bring the temperature back up to the initial setting.

Co$t-Efficient

We’ve focused on the most cost-effective ways to save you energy and money.

Sure, you could add solar panels or install triple-pane windows to cut down on your heating and electricity costs. While those improvements will save you in the long term, you’ll have to own your home for a while to recoup the investment. By insulating your windows with window film, you’ll see the savings immediately.

Call us and we’ll help you make your home more energy-efficient! We work all over the San Francisco Bay Area. Call Window Works customer care at 415-650-5200 for pricing and more information.

Tim Meredith is an eco-friendly landscaper and freelance writer who started mowing lawns as a teenager to earn extra cash. He uses only organic pest control and fertilizers, solar accent lights, and electric lawn mowers.

Anti-Graffiti Film Protects Your Investment

March 1, 2021 by Carol S 1 Comment

As part of our ten-year anniversary monthly specials, we’re proud to announce the discount for March. Small businesses and home owners will get a 10% discount on anti-graffiti film for the month of March. Let us know that you saw the discount here and we’re happy to apply it! If you’ve never heard of anti-graffiti film, you’re in for a nice surprise.

Get Ready for Spring Cleaning

It’s always a good feeling to get spring cleaning done, to get fresh air into our homes and businesses. And to declutter all the unnecessary items that have been dragging down our energy. In case you’re also cleaning your big windows, why not also protect them from scratches and paint? Anti-graffiti film also protects your glass from being gouged, scratched or etched. And replacing the film is much more affordable than replacing a big pane of glass!

We’ve written about anti-graffiti film before and you might like these articles:

Prepare Your Storefronts

Storefronts need love, just as much as those dark closets in the back of the building. The storefront is the first thing that people see, so curb appeal is critical. You might have been away from your business or home due to the events of the last year, so it’s even more important now than ever to get ready.

Foot Traffic is Coming

While Covid isn’t over yet, customers will soon be hungry for your products and services. Why not get ready for them now? We predict a huge onslaught of customers very soon, and those who are the most prepared will get the most benefit. A beautiful storefront will surely bring in more customers! Some may be walking by and seeing your store for the first time in over a year. For more tips about curb appeal, we like HGTV’s ideas about curb appeal.

Protect Your Investment

You’ve put your time, money, and energy into your business or home. So protect it! If you have questions about where to start with window film, please give us a call. We’d love to discuss all the ways we can protect your business, your home, and your peace of mind. Here’s our number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

Improving Bathroom Windows with Window Film

February 11, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Window Works 3M Fasara Matte Crystal with 1″ Reveal on Door Lites

Recently on our Twitter account, we ran a poll asking about least favorite windows. We figured maybe the living room or kitchen would win, but those who answered said the bathroom was their least favorite. Of course, this is by no means a scientific or comprehensive poll with 15 replies. Still, we thought we’d run with it since the living room was not even close! And we have plenty of solutions for bathroom windows.

You can see the poll here:

The bathroom won the poll with the least favorite windows! Would you have guessed? #Windows pic.twitter.com/AIpDlfY8it

— Window Works USA (@WindowWorksUSA) February 3, 2021

That got us to thinking. How could people improve their bathroom windows? And then faster than a lightning bolt, we got the answer–window film! And actually, we’ve already applied window film to many bathroom windows, as you can see above. Also, we’re running a special on Fasara window film for February for our small business and residential customers.

Why Window Film?

As you can see in the images above, you can gain privacy with window film. The light still shines through and you can see around the edges (if you’re that kind of person), but all in all, your privacy is protected. Since light is so scarce in many places in the San Francisco Bay Area, you probably don’t want to cover your windows with heavy drapes that will make your home or business even darker. You can have light plus privacy. In other words, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it, too.

Window Film Adds Privacy — Window Film Adds Design without Clutter

Window Film Adds Design without Clutter

The problem with other solutions to ugly bathroom windows is clutter. We all have limited space, it seems, and window film doesn’t give you bulky curtains that can attract dust, spiders, or look cluttered. Window film is clean and adds a fab design element to your bathroom. Take a look at some of the newest 3M Fasara finishes. They’re beautiful, right? That Sensai Linen is a dream!

Window Film is Like Sunglasses for Your Bathroom

Sunglasses can be a fashion accessory and your bathroom needs to be chic, too! But besides looking cool, window film protects your skin from UV light which has been known to cause skin cancer. If you want to know more, check out this article from the Skin Cancer Foundation: Not All UV Rays Stay Outside: How Window Film Can Help Protect You.

“Both UVA and UVB rays can cause sunburn and tanning, which damage the DNA in your skin cells and increase your risk for skin cancer. UVA rays also cause the unwelcome signs of premature aging, including dark spots and wrinkles.”

~ the Skin Cancer Foundation

Need Help Deciding Which Kind of Window Film Works for Your Bathroom?

Give us a call! We can help you decide. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. Here’s our customer care number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

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